Tennessee Higher Education Initiative (THEI)
THEI provides access to high-quality, degree-bearing college education inside TN prisons.
Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Dr. Laura Ferguson Mimms, Executive Director of the Tennessee Higher Education Initiative, who shares some of her personal story and passion for the work, as a first-generation college graduate, who understands the transformative and liberating power education holds, not only for the individual who embarks upon the knowledge journey, but also for all people attached to that individual. During the interview, Laura highlights how the Tennessee Higher Education Initiative coordinates associate and bachelor’s degree programs in Tennessee prisons, provides pre and post release re-entry support, and actively advocates with and for justice involved individuals on the local, state, and national levels. She talks about their statewide expansion, impact and generational effect, how the community can support their efforts, and more. She also highlights their upcoming Card Party on December 9, 2022, 6p, 1006 Shelby Ave.
Laura currently serves as the Executive Director of the Tennessee Higher Education Initiative (THEI), a Tennessee based a non-profit committed to disrupting systems of harm, creating opportunities for autonomy through education, and advocating with and for justice impacted individuals. THEI coordinates associate and bachelor’s degree programs in Tennessee prisons, provides pre and post release re-entry support, and actively advocates with and for justice involved individuals on the local, state, and national levels.
Committed to finding and remaining focused on her “True North” Laura Ferguson Mimms has consistently led organizations that align with her personal mission and philosophy patterned after one of her “sheroes” Harriet Tubman, when you become free you have an obligation to free others. As a first-generation college graduate, Laura understands the transformative and liberative power education holds, not only for the individual who embarks upon the knowledge journey, but also for all people attached to that individual. In sum, the effect of educational attainment is exponentially positive for generations to come…this is the work Laura lives in and lives for.
Website: https://www.thei.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thei.org/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/theinitiativetn?lang=en